Metalex Legal Internship

Week One Task

Aug 30th, 2024

Threads

15

Interns have been assigned tasks to write articles on various aspects of law. To facilitate effective interaction and engagement, we are opening this forum for interns to review each other's articles.

Each intern will be paired with another within their respective categories. All interns are required to read the assigned articles, write a short review highlighting key takeaways, insights gained, aspects that were unclear or missing, and possible areas of improvement.

Login to comment on this thread
Sixtus Obiagwu
3 months ago

REVIEW OF A SUBMISSION MADE BY ADEBAYO FARUQ WITH THE TOPIC: SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA, GOLDEN GENERATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CLUB AS A CASE STUDY.

After a thorough reading of the article, I cannot agree less that the author made an awesome research and articulated the pieces of his research so well to birth that beautiful piece. From the article,Adebayo Faruq generally recognized the roles of Non profit organizations which he used Non governmental organization for. Some of the key roles he highlighted is poverty alleviation, environmental protection, educational support and others. After viewing from the general perspective,he went further to narrow it down to Nigeria and the roles of Non governmental organization in the society and nation. He highlighted how tremendously the services of Non profit organizations has immensely contributed to the economic development of the country and how they fill the various lacuna left by the government. According to him,the need for the services of NPOs arose in Nigeria after the civil war. Despite viewing NPOs from a national perspective,he further went down to viewing it from a lense of particularity and that's the GOLDEN GENERATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CLUB of Nigeria which according to him was registered with the CAC in 2020 and has operates  in Oyo. The club has no government affiliation and is non profit in nature. The main objective of this club is to address the social issue of the young ones "building careers without ambition". The rate of touting and thuggery in Nigeria is fast increasing. Although the governors of different States like in Anambra State are contributing their bits to stall this increase but the club has taken it up as it's duty to sensitive young people against thuggery and touting. It is driven by its "Catch them young" belief as they make moves towards ensuring that the younger generation does not see the "street school" with its menacing and nefarious settings as a proper institution to Learn and develop their career.

It was indeed a nice read and I commend the author's efforts towards pulling this great work up.

Adebola Victoria Omiranti
3 months ago
Hi Sixtus, What an Amazing Review!!! But I think you have to Start a discussion on the forum and not replying to the message intended for the interns by the founder. By that way, Your amazing review will be seen easily. Thanks.
Faruq Adebayo
3 months ago
Thanks so much for the amazing review.
Sixtus Obiagwu
3 months ago
Thank you Victoria for calling my attention and thank you Faruq for the complimentary appreciation.
Sixtus Obiagwu
3 months ago

A review of an article titled "Navigating Data Privacy in Nigeria: Legal Frameworks and the Role of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC)" by Abdulganiu Alao Akinsola.

After a careful perusal of the author's work on Data Privacy and its legal frameworks in Nigeria, I've come to believe that the author  precisely  and concisely  dwelt on the need for individual, organizations and the government to make efforts towards data protection and privacy. According to the author many countries including Nigeria have made effort towards Data safety and protection. In the Nigerian case,the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has made a groundwork on Data Privacy as it provides in Sec. 37 "Right to Privacy". The author also recognized the National information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) as a principal body authorized to regulate Data related matters in Nigeria as he acknowledged other Data regulators both existing before and after NITDA.
The author however recognized different laws in Nigeria made in furtherance of the  data privacy objective. Some of the highlighted laws are:The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended),The Nigeria Data Protection Regulation 2019 (“NDPR”),The NDPR Implementation Framework 2020, issued by the National Information Technology Development Agency - NITDA (“NDPR Implementation Framework”),The Child Rights Act 2003,The Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention (Amendment) Act 2024 (“Cybercrimes Act”),The Freedom of Information Act 2011,The National Health Act 2014,The HIV and AIDS (Anti-Discrimination) Act 2014 and The National Information Technology Development Agency Act 2007.

The author further recognized the Nigerian Data Protection Commission as the primary Data regulator in Nigeria as established in the NIGERIA DATA PROTECTION ACT,2023. He further recognized some sector-specific regulatory authorities like the CBN,NCC and the FCCPC as enforcers of specific regulations made with respect of ensuring Data Privacy in their sector.

I cannot step down a bit in my agreement that Nigeria though a developing country already hae  these legal and regulatory framework on data Privacy and Protection listed and analyzed here by the author and made provisions for the enforcement by establishing regulatory bodies (as revealed by the author) who shall implement these laws and regulations.

It is a brief, thought-provoking and all encompassing article and I commend the effort of the author on this work

Frank Okike
3 months ago

A CRITICAL REVIEW OF AN ARTICLE TITLED: THE NEED FOR CORPORATE STRUCTURES, AUTHORED BY MARY ADEFOLAJU

Her article examines a comprehensive analysis about the role and responsibilities of a Board of Directors in a corporation, as well as the significance of a clear corporate structure.

STRENGTHS:
1. The article has a detailed explanation of the Board's duties, such as overseeing operations and ensuring legal compliance
2. Identification of various Director types, including Chairman, Executive, Non-executive, Independent, and Life Directors
3. Discussion of pros from establishing a corporate structure, including growth benchmarking, transparency, and sound decision-making
4. An Outline of cons from neglecting corporate structure, including limited growth, operational disruptions, and slow decision-making

WEAKNESSES:
1. The entirety of features are lengthy.
2. Her conclusion didn't capture the whole work

MY RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Provide context for readers unfamiliar with corporate governance
2. Incorporate examples or case studies
3. Expand the conclusion to summarize main points and reiterate the importance of corporate structure.

EMMANUELLA OKONOPA
3 months ago
Hello Frank. I must commend the precision and neat structure of your review. I also would like to express my appreciation for your article titled "The Nitty-Gritty Of Tax Law and It's Enforceability on Incorporations, Citizens and National Development" (although I do not recall assigning any task relating to this) I did enjoy reading your work, it was "insightful and entertaining". I do have a question with regard to FRANK OKIKE'S THEORY ON TAXATION: What process/reasoning led you to this conclusion? I am genuinely curious.
Ifeanyichukwu Nwaolisa
3 months ago

Review of Article titled: Corporate Structure by Ifesinachi Nwokocha

I painstakingly went through the article and I must say that the author did an amazing work with the research work. And I totally agree with the corporate structures provided.

What I love most about the article is that, the article is concise and straight to point. The research references is also well arranged.

Is an amazing article.

Ifeanyichukwu Nwaolisa
3 months ago

Review of Article titled: Corporate Structure by Ifesinachi Nwokocha

I painstakingly went through the article and I must say that the author did an amazing work with the research work. And I totally agree with the corporate structures provided.

What I love most about the article is that, the article is concise and straight to point. The research references is also well arranged.

Is an amazing article.

Eunice Karisai
3 months ago

The Article titled "Categories Of Intellectual Property" by Okafor Angela is highly recommended for a beginner starting off in understanding the Basics of intellectual property. This is as a result of the simplicity of the words used and the breaking down of major concepts for easy grasp. 

I commend the author for citing  of examples and applicable statues in the United state, but would love to have seen applicable statutes in Nigeria . I trust the author to put into consideration the clime of the African continent in conducting further research and submission.

Oh yes! The author wrote and expantiated a bit on "Franchisee" and "Digital asset", I'm wondering if these also belong to categories of Intellectual Property as do patents, trademarks and the rest of them.

But it all, it was an enlightening read.

Faruq Adebayo
3 months ago

REVIEW ON THE ARTICLE WRITTEN BY SIXTUS OBIAGWU.

 

TITLE.: NON PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AND ITS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SOCIETY AND THE ECONOMY.

This article by Sixtus is a well researched piece which at the first instance depicts the social order in the society with textual allusion from the Animal farm by George Orwell. Though, the main focus is the crucial contributions of non-profit organizations (NPOs) to various sectors, including education, healthcare, and community development, while also addressing the challenges and shortcomings within the sector. The introduction effectively sets the stage by drawing a parallel between the concepts of equality and classism, highlighting the inevitable social stratification in any functional society. However, I want to avert the mind of Sixtus Obiagu to the fact that even the human rights which are fundamental and inalienable to human are also subject of classism. Prof. Makau Mutua argues in his popular human rights paper, Savages, Victims and Saviours: The metaphor of human rights that human rights are savages against victims and saviours. The piece further questions the universality and cultural neutrality of the human rights project. He recommends that human rights should be constructed in a true universal human rights corpus, one that is multicultural, inclusive, and deeply political. 

He further mentions organizations like METALEX LEGAL, Save the Children Nigeria, UNICEF, and the Red Cross Society, the article provides concrete examples that readers can relate to, thus strengthening the argument.

Following the introduction, the paper defines NPOs clearly, emphasizing their independence from governmental influence and their focus on addressing social, economic, and environmental issues without a profit motive. The historical context provided gives a solid foundation for understanding the evolution of NPOs in Nigeria, from traditional community-based structures to modern organizations influenced by colonial and post-colonial developments.

Key characteristics of NPOs are outlined, stressing the importance of mission-driven activities, non-profit distribution, independence, and tax exemptions. These features distinguish genuine NPOs from entities that may falsely claim non-profit status while operating like commercial enterprises.

The analysis then delves into the various contributions of NPOs, categorizing them into five main areas:

1. Charity and Social Welfare where it is expounded that NPOs provide essential support to indigent citizens, helping to reduce crime and contribute to agricultural development, thereby enhancing economic growth.

2. Advocacy, majorly the NPOs help to promote social justice, influencing policies, and creating awareness on critical issues, ensuring a more equitable society.

3. Education and Training: he further enlightens that organizations contribute to educational advancement through scholarships, vocational training, and mentorship programs, helping bridge the gaps left by the government.

4. Healthcare Development: NPOs provide healthcare services, health education, and support for medical research, particularly in underserved areas, thus improving the overall health and wealth of the nation.

5. Community Development: NPOs identify and address community needs, promote social cohesion, and work towards conflict resolution, contributing to peaceful and sustainable development.

The conclusion reinforces the indispensable role of NPOs in societal and human capital development, while also acknowledging the challenges posed by fraudulent organizations that misuse the non-profit label. The call for stricter regulation and oversight of NPOs in Nigeria is a crucial point, aiming to ensure that these organizations fulfill their intended purpose of serving the public good.

My Comments:

The writer doesn't highlight the challenges that the NPOs are facing, I recommend the challenges are needed for this wonderful piece to further embellish the literary flavour.

Moreover, after highlighting the challenges, solutions to tackle the problems are ought to be proffered.  It will further augment the literary piece.

And finally, the economic impacts of the NPOs are not discussed. As one of the keywords of the article, it should be at least briefly expounded if not totally explicated to the core. 

Well done, Sixtus. Looking forward to more engagements together.

Yours sincerely.

EMMANUELLA OKONOPA
3 months ago
A very detailed review, I must say. I have not read this particular article but your review paints a really vivid picture of the author's work. Thank you for communicating your thoughts on how you think the article could have been MORE, respectfully. Also, great work Sixtus.
Mary Adefolaju
3 months ago

REVIEW OF THE ARTICLE WRITTEN BY KENNETH CHIBUEZE: Corporate Morphology: Exploring The Basis, Shape And Substance Of Business Structures


The article was honestly worth the read, from the introduction to the end, I was glued to it. The research was well done, but I felt like the introduction of the constitutive technique could have been better done. It should have been more  explained, while relating it to the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020. 

Also, I enjoyed reading about the laws of CAMA all through the work too, it showed a company in Nigeria can’t excel without sticking to provisions of CAMA

More so, The body was properly executed, and the conclusion was great too, but, they were no provisions for references, as a reader, I would have loved if the referenced text were highlighted in the article, but all in all. It was a good one. 

Naomi Olatunji
3 months ago

REVIEW OF HELEN FIDELS RESEARCH TITLED “INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAWS IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY: FAIR DEALING LOOPHOLES AND ENFORCEMENT GAPS”


I must first commend you for the research done. Your article creates a solid foundation by providing a complete summary of Intellectual Property Laws applicable to Nigeria's entertainment industry. A person who had no idea of IP laws would read your work and have a foundational idea. The use of Decided Cases successfully demonstrates the practical use of these Laws. 

However, the part on the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) may cause some misunderstanding because it implies it is an intellectual property Law, which it is not. CAMA is vital for the operational aspects of the entertainment industry, but noting that its primary focus is corporate governance and business regulation rather than direct intellectual property protection will improve the article's accuracy. 

Examining fair dealing and enforcement loopholes is insightful in identifying crucial areas where the current intellectual property framework is challenged. However, the explanation of fair dealing could be supplemented with particular examples or hypothetical scenarios to demonstrate how these laws might be implemented or abused in the entertainment Industry.

Furthermore, when discussing enforcement issues, providing prospective remedies , such as improved digital monitoring , could provide a more balanced viewpoint and deepen the article's analytical depth. 

The inclusion of your poem gives a personal and creative touch to your article, distinguishing it and emphasizing your connection to the subject. Furthermore, precise citations or references would strengthen the research, especially when discussing specific cases, legal provisions, or statistical data. 

In all, Helen Fidel did a fantastic work in this research. 

Favour Oshiobugie
3 months ago

A REVIEW OF THE ARTICLE TITLED: Data Privacy and Protection in Nigeria: A Research Perspective. AUTHORED BY: Adebola Victoria Omiranti.

The article provides a comprehensive overview of data privacy and protection within Nigeria, emphasizing the challenges in relation to data protection faced in the country.

It  underscores the growing importance of data protection due to increased internet penetration and improved Information Technology, which has led to more significant data privacy concerns.

One of the article's strengths is its identification of the lack of robust data protection laws as a critical issue, and highlights the role of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in attempting to address this gap.

The mention of data hardware failures and the associated risks was particularly insightful, emphasizing that data protection goes beyond just legal frameworks, it also involves technological reliability.

But, I must add that the article could benefit from a more detailed exploration of the specific legal mechanisms currently in place in Nigeria, which is the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR). While the NITDA and its guidelines were mentioned, a deeper dive into existing laws would provide a more comprehensive view.

Generally, the article provides a solid foundation for understanding data privacy and protection issues in Nigeria.

Well done, Miss Victoria!